A clinical study of local acriflavin in treatment of rhinoscleroma.

Rhinoscleroma is a chronic granulomatous disease which involves upper respiratory tract. We undertook this study to find out the antibacterial effect of local acriflavin on Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis, as well as the disease rhinoscleroma. Antibiotic effect of acriflavin was studied on one of the isolate of Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis using whatman No.1 filter paper disc soaked in 2% and 5% acriflavin solution and was found sensitive. A total of 26 cases diagnosed clinically and histopathologically were studied. These patients were treated using 1%, 2% and 5% acriflavin ointment. The cure was 33%, 67% and 100% respectively. Details of response to acriflavin therapy and its adverse effect will be discussed. It is concluded that acriflavin can be used as a good alternative to systemic therapy for rhinoscleroma. As it can be prepared and applied easily and is not a financial burden on already poor patient.